Beef fillet with natural tamarind sauce

Gina Whitley
By
Gina Whitley
Gina Whitley, private chef with 25+ years of experience, creator of "Sabores de mi Cocina", mother and gastronomic entrepreneur. Specialist in traditional and contemporary Mexican cuisine,...
10 Min Read

Recipe for Beef Fillet with natural tamarind sauce

This Mexican dish combines the juiciness of a beef fillet tender with a tamarind sauce natural that provides a sweet and sour flavor unmistakable. It's an ideal homemade recipe for those who enjoy the traditional cuisine with natural ingredients and a special touch with tamarind marinade. Perfect for a family meal that surprises with its simplicity and flavor.

Preparation time

This dish is not only delicious, but it also prepares in a reasonable time to enjoy at home without complications.

  • Preparation: 10 minutes
  • Cooking: 25 minutes
  • Total: 35 minutes
  • Servings: 4
  • Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

For the fillets

  • 4 flattened beef steaks
  • 2 teaspoons of salt
  • 1 teaspoon of pepper
  • 4 tablespoons of vegetable oil

For the plantain mash

  • 2 ripe plantains
  • 2 teaspoons of salt
  • 1 ½ tablespoon of unsalted butter

For the tamarind sauce

  • 4 ripe tomatoes
  • ¼ onion
  • 2 cloves of garlic
  • ¼ cup of natural tamarind concentrate
  • 1 tablespoon of beef broth powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoon of salt
  • 1 teaspoon of pepper

Utensils we will use

  • Skillet
  • Pot for cooking
  • Fine sieve
  • Mixing bowl
  • Knife with cutting board
  • Blender or food processor (for the sauce)
  • Spoon or spatula
  • Wooden toothpicks to hold the steaks

Preparation

1. Cook and prepare the plantain mash

  1. Cook the plantains: Wash the plantains well with their skin and place them in a pot with boiling water, add salt to enhance the flavor. Cook them for approximately 15 minutes or until tender when pierced with a fork.
  2. Peel and mash: Once cooked, remove the plantains from the water and let them cool to room temperature for easier handling. Peel the plantains and mash them in a bowl until a smooth purée is obtained.
  3. Incorporate butter and season: Add the unsalted butter and 2 teaspoons of salt to the purée. Mix well so that all ingredients are integrated and the creaminess of the purée is highlighted. Set aside.

2. Prepare the natural tamarind sauce

  1. Blend ingredients: In the blender, add the ripe tomatoes, onion, garlic cloves, and natural tamarind concentrate. Blend until a uniform mixture is obtained.
  2. Strain and cook sauce: Pass the mixture through a strainer to remove pulp and obtain a fine sauce. Pour the sauce into a hot pot and add the beef broth powder, salt, and pepper. Cook over medium heat for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

3. Prepare the fillets and filling

  1. Season the fillets: Season both sides of each fillet with salt and pepper to enhance the natural flavor of the meat.
  2. Fill and roll: Place a portion of the plantain purée on each fillet, spreading it evenly. Carefully roll each fillet and secure with a toothpick to maintain its shape during cooking.

4. Cook the stuffed fillets

  1. Heat skillet: Place the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Cook the fillets: Add the rolled fillets and cook, turning them constantly so they brown evenly. Cook until the meat is at the desired doneness, ensuring the purée stays inside.
  3. Integrate with the sauce: Add the cooked fillets to the pot with the tamarind sauce. Cover the fillets well with the sauce and cook over low heat for 5 minutes so that the flavors infuse.

To finish and serve

Carefully remove the toothpicks so as not to disassemble the rolls. Adjust seasoning to taste; if you want a more acidic or sweet touch, add an extra pinch of tamarind concentrate or salt. Serve the hot fillets bathed in their sauce; they can be accompanied with white rice, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad to complete this Mexican dish. Its combination of natural textures and flavors makes it a homemade recipe worth preparing.

Nutritional Information

  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Fats: 18 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fiber: 2 g

Values are approximate per serving and may vary depending on the size of the fillets and the exact quantity of ingredients.


5 keys to make the beef fillet with natural tamarind sauce perfect

7. To achieve a beef fillet tender and juicy filling of plantain and cover it with a delicious natural tamarind sauce, these points are essential:

  • Choose good quality meat: A fresh and well-flattened fillet facilitates stuffing and ensures even cooking.
  • Cook the plantain well: Make sure it is soft so that the puree is creamy and easy to spread inside the fillet.
  • Control the sauce: Cook it until it reduces slightly to intensify the flavor without it becoming liquid.
  • Hold the roll tightly: Use sturdy toothpicks to prevent it from opening when cooking it in the pan.
  • Even cooking: Constantly move the fillets in the pan so they brown on all sides without burning or drying out.

When is it ideal to enjoy beef fillet with natural tamarind sauce?

This dish is perfect for family gatherings or special dinners where you want to show off a traditional recipe full of authentic flavor. The combination of sweet and sour flavor tamarind with the tenderness of the fillet and the puree is refreshing and comforting, ideal for mild or cool weather days. It is also an excellent option to surprise at celebrations, whether accompanied by rice or a light side dish.


Comparative table of beef fillet with natural tamarind sauce and similar recipes

RecipeKey ingredientsDifference/advantage
Beef fillet with natural tamarind sauceBeef fillet, natural tamarind, plantainAuthentic sweet and sour flavor with stuffed puree
Filet mignonBeef fillet, butter, red wineSofter meat, creamy sauce wine-based
Oriental beef fajitasBeef, peppers, soy sauceSpicier flavor, Asian style
Beef loin in red wine and rosemary sauceBeef loin, red wine, rosemaryAromatic and deep sauce
Pepper steakBeef fillet, black pepper, creamCreamy and spicy sauce
Meat in chipotle sauceBeef, chipotle, tomatoSmoky and spicy flavor
Queretaro enchiladasTortillas, cheese, red sauceTraditional dish without meat

3 tricks that help make your steak with tamarind sauce spectacular

  • Temper the butter before mixing it with the puree so it integrates better and the filling has a velvety texture.
  • Control the intensity of the tamarind if the concentrate is too acidic, balance with a little honey or sugar to soften without losing the flavor.
  • Let the fillets rest in the sauce after cooking them so they absorb all the nuances and don't lose moisture.

Share your experience preparing beef steak with natural tamarind sauce

Cooking is for experimenting and sharing. Did you try preparing this dish? How did it turn out? Did you add any personal touch or variation that you liked? Leave your comment and share your own tricks to improve the homemade recipe for this delicious steak with sauce that combines tradition and unique flavor.

Culinary glossary

  • Steak: Thin and flat cut of meat, usually beef.
  • Natural tamarind: Pulp of the tamarind fruit, used to give a sweet and sour flavor.
  • Plantain: Type of cooking banana, used ripe to make sweet puree.
  • Tamarind concentrate: Thick extract of tamarind pulp, used in sauces.
  • Flatten: Technique of flattening the meat to facilitate stuffing or cooking.

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Gina Whitley, private chef with 25+ years of experience, creator of "Flavors of my Kitchen", mother and gastronomic entrepreneur. Specialist in traditional and contemporary Mexican cuisine, with international recognition.
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